Students from Ryedale School have taken positive action to enhance their local environment by planting over 500 native wildflowers.

The group planted the flowers at Sugar Hill, near Nawton, just a mile from the school.

This project marks an important step in combating the rapid loss of wildflower species, which has severely impacted pollinators, birdlife, and soil quality over the past 90 years.

By reintroducing wildflowers into the landscape, the students are playing a crucial role in restoring habitats, supporting local wildlife, and promoting a healthier ecosystem.

Amy Carrick, the Education and Engagement Officer from the Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Scheme, organised the day, working closely with local landowners, schools, and conservation initiatives like the Forgotten Flora Project.

She said: “It’s inspiring to see students actively participating in biodiversity conservation. Their efforts are essential in reversing the decline of native species and fostering a deeper appreciation for our natural heritage.”

The Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Scheme, led by the North York Moors National Park Authority and funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, focuses on conserving the River Rye catchment area while reconnecting people with its wildlife, landscapes, and history.

A key partner in this initiative, the Forgotten Flora Project, funded by the Howardian Hills National Landscape, is dedicated to increasing native wildflower biodiversity across the Howardian Hills and surrounding areas.

Amy said the project works to restore local ecosystems by reintroducing endangered and lesser-known plant species that are crucial for supporting diverse wildlife.

Through a network of volunteers, the project collects, propagates, and grows wildflowers in collaboration with schools and the local community, encouraging a connection to nature and fostering stewardship of the land.

"Owners Anne Barbara Twine and Michael Tanner have created an ideal planting location, thanks to their dedication to habitat conservation and environmental care.

"They use selective grazing with rescue ponies and horses to manage faster growing grasses, which allows slower growing wildflowers to establish without being crowded out.

"The ponies’ movement naturally disturbs the soil, creating spaces for wildflower seeds to settle and grow. Michael and Ann also adjust grazing periods to align with the growth cycles of both pasture and wildflowers reducing grazing intensity during peak flowering seasons to allow plants to set seed and increasing it afterward to control grass dominance.

"Alongside grazing, they’ve created specific habitat zones like ponds and scrapes. These shallow depressions form temporary wetland areas that provide essential feeding and breeding habitats for wading birds and other wildlife, mimicking natural processes that keep the landscape open and biodiverse."

Amy added: "The day, which was supported by the Howardian Hills National Landscape, North York Moors National Park, Autism Plus, and the invaluable contribution of volunteers and landowners, exemplifies a collaborative approach to conservation, uniting diverse stakeholders to achieve a shared goal.

"With over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows lost since the 1930s, initiatives like this are more crucial than ever.

"The collaboration between Ryevitalise, local schools, and the Forgotten Flora Project serves as a model for community driven conservation, demonstrating how small, local actions can make a significant impact on the environment."